Inkwell with Crosses

Unknown

10th century · Earthenware; polychrome decoration under transparent glaze (buff ware) · Islamic Art

This inkwell preserves a small ball inside that was probably used to stir the ink it once held. The color scheme of this object is typical of the buff ware group, but the main decorative motif—a cross-like symbol—is not. The cross may indicate that the object belonged to one of Nishapur's Christians, or it may simply have been a decorative device improvised by the potter.

Artist

Unknown

Date

10th century

Medium

Earthenware; polychrome decoration under transparent glaze (buff ware)

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Rogers Fund, 1938